Method And System For 60 GHZ Location Determination Based On Varying Antenna Direction And Coordination Of WLAN/WPAN/GPS Multimode Devices

ABSTRACT

Within a local region, information may be communicated between two or more wireless multimode communication devices (WMCD) comprising  60  GHz band and lower frequency band wireless interfaces, wherein spatial relationships between devices may vary. The  60  GHz interface may handle location determination operations and data transfers. The lower frequency band may support WPAN, WLAN and may handle coordination of communications and data transfers. The WMCDs may be coupled with a network. Antennas may be directional. Moreover, the spatial orientation of the antennas may be dynamically modified or swept across a specified angle. Furthermore, intelligent and/or adaptive antenna systems may be utilized. The WMCDs may utilize a position and/or time reference system to aid in location determination operations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application makes reference to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/944,015 (Attorney Docket No.18657US01), filed on Jun. 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to wireless communication.More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to amethod and system for 60 GHz location determination and coordination ofWLAN/WPAN/GPS multimode devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of wireless communication has seen dramatic growth the lastfew years. In today's world, most people use their mobile devices, be itcellular phones, PDA's, laptops, media players and/or other devices forbusiness and personal use on a constant and daily basis. Often multipleusers within a local environment operate on a plurality of wirelessinterfaces. In addition to voice and data communication such as emailand internet browsing, these devices may enable high speed data transfersuch as video streaming or multi-user gaming wherein multiple usersinteract with one or more video display applications. Wireless servicesprovide links to cellular technologies or WIMAX for wide areacommunications while links within a local region may comprisetechnologies such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) and wirelesspersonal area networks (WPAN).

WLAN and WPAN enable a broad array of applications by providingflexibility and convenience in the connectivity they provide. Thesesystems generally replace cumbersome cabling and/or wiring used toconnect peripheral devices and/or mobile terminals by providing shortdistance wireless links that allow connectivity within typically, a10-meter range for WPAN and a 100 m range for WLAN.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method for 60 GHz location determination andcoordination of WLAN/WPAN/GPS multimode devices, substantially as shownin and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, asset forth more completely in the claims.

Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention,as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be morefully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates exemplary wireless multimodecommunication devices (WMCDs), in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram that illustrates exemplary multi-bandcommunications between WMCDs, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemcomprising a control and coordination WMCD communicating with one ormore WMCDs, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemcomprising a control and coordination device communicating with one ormore WMCDs that may also communicate with each other, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemcomprising a plurality of multimode wireless communication groups, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps forcommunicating via a plurality of frequencies and wireless communicationtechnologies, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and system for60 GHz location determination and coordination of WLAN/WPAN/GPS wirelessmultimode communication devices (WMCDs). In this regard, 60 GHztransmissions may utilize any available unlicensed millimeter wavefrequency band within the range of 57 to 66 GHz. Aspects of theinvention may comprise communication between the WMCDs on one or morefrequencies. Wireless modes of communication may comprise wireless localarea network (WLAN) that may be compliant with 802.11 standards,wireless personal area network (WPAN), for example Bluetooth networks,ultra wide-band (UWB) such as Wimedia, Global Positioning System (GPS),WIMAX and/or any suitable cellular or wireless technology. However, theinvention is not limited with regard to any specific wireless technologyor alternate frequency. A plurality of frequency bands may be utilizedfor communication between the WMCDs. Higher frequencies, near 60 GHz,may enable location determination operations and high speed datatransfer between the WMCDs. The 60 GHz wireless links may be highlydirectional and may transfer signals point to point between the WMCDs.Lower frequencies, for example 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz, often used for WPANand/or WLAN, may be utilized to communicate between WMCDs with regard tosharing data and/or system management related tasks. These lowerfrequencies may be radiated via a broader angle antenna and/or overgreater distances than the 60 GHz transmissions. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the WMCDs may be enabled to support multiple connectionssimultaneously or in a multiplex pattern.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates exemplary wireless multimodecommunication devices (WMCDs), in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown two WMCDs 102 and 104.The two WMCDs 102 and 104 each comprise at least a processor block 112,a memory block 114 and a 60 GHz block 110 a. In addition, the WMCDs 102and 104 may comprise one or more of a wireless local area network (WLAN)block 110 b, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) block 110 c, aBluetooth block and/or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 110 d.The WMCDs 102 and 104 are not limited to these specific wirelesstechnology interfaces and may comprise any suitable wireless interface,for example, any type of cellular and/or WIMAX technologies may beutilized.

Exemplary location tasks may comprise tasks that determine a locationfor one or more devices by, for example, measuring the relative angle ofa device from a reference direction and/or measuring a relative distancefrom one device to another. Relative angle and distance information maybe utilized to determine a direction or bearing for signal radiationand/or reception wherein WMCDs may communicate via highly directionaland/or adaptive antennas. Furthermore, relative positions may be mappedto a reference frame such as one utilizing self determined referencedirections or one indicating North, South, East, West and altitude forexample. In this regard, coordinates may be determined via triangulationcalculations for example.

The WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/orcode that enable wireless communication via one or more wirelessinterfaces. For example, the WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may utilize the highlydirectional 60 GHz link 110 a to enable location operations. Inaddition, one or more of the WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may be capable ofreceiving GPS information for location assistance.

The WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may not be limited with regard to any specificsoftware application. For example, the WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may beutilized as high speed video gaming devices used within an interiorand/or exterior space. In another embodiment of the invention, the WMCDs102 and/or 104 may support multimedia file transfers and/or multimediarendering functionality. Moreover, the WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may supporta plurality of applications and wireless interfaces. For example, theWMCDs 102 and/or 104 may enable internet access for browsing, gaming,data retrieval and/or voice over internet protocol (VOIP). The WMCDs 102and/or 104 may enable wireless phone connections for example.

Local connections communicating with lower data rates between the WMCDs102 and 104 may enable tasks such as device discovery, connectioninitiation, security operations, data transfer, service coordinationand/or location determination for example. In some embodiments of theinvention, one of the WMCDs, for example block 102, may control andcoordinate operations among a plurality of WMCDs. For example, carrierfrequency or channel assignments for the WMCDs 102 and 104 may bedetermined by the WMCDs 102. In some embodiments of the invention, thecontrol and coordination task may transfer from one device to another asneeded. In other embodiments of the invention, the WMCDs 102 and 104 mayhave a peer to peer relationship. Moreover, one or more of the WMCDs 102and 104 may function as a residential gateway and may connect to theinternet or another network via a line and/or wireless connection. TheWMCDs 102 and 104 may be communicatively coupled with each other as wellas other wireless and/or line devices.

The processor block 112 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and orcode to enable a plurality of tasks for the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. Forexample the processor block 112 may enable location determination thatmay comprise spatial information processing such as determining theposition and/or mapping one or more WMCDs based on radio measurementssuch as angle of arrival or time of arrival for example. The processorblock 112 may enable communication operations and processing ofinformation, for example gaming information or digital image rendering.In addition the processor block 112 may enable coordination ofcommunication and/or processing tasks in one or more WMCDs. Theprocessor block 112 may comprise one or more general purpose processorsand/or one or more special purpose processors. The processor block 112may be communicatively coupled to the memory block 114, the antennablock 116, the 60 GHz block 110 a, WLAN block 110 b, WPAN block 110 cand or the GPS receiver 110 d.

The memory block 114 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and or codeto store and retrieve data for the WMCDs 102 and 144. In addition tosupporting communications, gaming and/or image processing operations,the memory block 114 may support location determination operations. Thememory block 114 may be communicatively coupled with the processor block112, the antenna block 116, the 60 GHz block 110 a, WLAN block 110 b,WPAN block 110 c and or the GPS receiver 110 d.

The antenna block 116 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and or codeto enable transmission and/or reception of signals between the WMCDs 102and 104 as well as with other wireless devices and/or systems, forexample, the global positioning system (GPS). The antenna block 116 maycomprise one or more antenna elements and/or antenna arrays. Forexample, the antenna block 116 may comprise wide band elements and/ormultiple narrower band elements for one or more frequency bands. Theantenna block 116 may comprise one or more directional and/oromni-directional antennas. In addition, the antenna block 116 may enablesweeping the direction of transmission or reception through varyingangles. For example, the WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may transmit a 60 MHzpilot or beacon signal via an antenna that sweeps or varies the azimuthof the antenna over 360°. The attributes of the antenna block 116 may benot be limited to this example and may vary according to the needs of aspecific design. The antenna block 116 may be communicatively coupledwith the 60 GHz block 110 a, the WLAN block 110 b, the WPAN block 110 c,the GPS receiver 110 d and/or any other wireless transceivers suitablyutilized. In addition, the antenna block 116 may be communicativelycoupled with the processor block 112 and the memory block 114.

The 60 GHz physical interface 110 a may comprise suitable logic,circuitry and/or code to enable communications within a local regionrelative to WMCDs 102 and/or 104. For example, local file transfers,video connections and/or high speed video single or multi-user gamingmay be supported. The 60 GHz block may comprise a physical layerinterface or a physical layer interface and a medium access control(MAC) layer. The 60 GHz signals may be transmitted short distances,point to point, in a highly directional radiating pattern. In addition,the 60 GHz interface 110 a may support location determination operationsfor the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. In this regard, the 60 GHz physicalinterface may support ultra wide band (UWB) technology or other wirelesstechnologies. In one embodiment of the invention, an initial referenceposition for one or more devices may be known based on GPS informationor another source of location information such as user configurationdata. Subsequently, a position for the WMCDs 102 and/or 104, within alocal region may be determined relative to one or more known referencepositions. Millimeter waves from the 60 gigahertz physical interface 110a may be used to augment GPS or other position information and mayimprove precision of position measurements. Furthermore, antenna arraysor directional antennas may be utilized with the 60 GHz interface 110 ato support angle of arrival measurements for signals from other devices.

The wireless local area network (WLAN) block 110 b may comprise suitablelogic, circuitry and or code to enable communications within a localregion relative to the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. The WLAN block 110 b maysupport an IEEE 802.11 physical layer (PHY) or a PHY and a media accesscontrol (MAC) layer. In addition, the WLAN block 110 b may operate on alower portion of spectrum, for example, near 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz. TheWLAN block 110 b may be utilized to communicate and/or retrieve datafrom a computer or network, for example video and/or audio data.Moreover, the WLAN block 110 b may be utilized to access the Internetfor communication of audio/video data, web surfing and/or voice over IPfor example. In some embodiments of the invention, the WLAN may beutilized to support location determination by sharing locationinformation such as angle and/or time measurements or coordinates for aWMCD obtained via the 60 GHz block 110 a and/or GPS block 110 d with oneor more devices.

The wireless personal area network (WPAN) block 110 c may comprisesuitable logic, circuitry and or code to enable communications within alocal region relative to the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. The WPAN block 110 cmay comprise for example, a Bluetooth transceiver comprising a physicallayer interface or a physical layer interface and a medium accesscontrol (MAC) layer. The WPAN block 110 c may support operations in the2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz frequency bands or may operate in other availablespectrum. The WPAN block 110 c is not limited with regard to wirelesstechnologies and may, for example, support frequency hopping or UWBtechnology capable of high speed file transfer. The WPAN block 110 c mayenable device discovery, security operations and/or generaladministrative activity among WMCDs 102 and 104. The WPAN block 110 cmay be communicatively coupled with the processor block 112, the memoryblock 114 and/or the antenna block 116.

The GPS block 110 d may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and or codeto enable communications with Global Positioning System (GPS)satellites. The GPS block 110 d may comprise a GPS receiver enablingreception of spread spectrum signals carrying information that enablesclock synchronization and/or coarse position determination for civilianapplications or more precise position determination for militaryapplications. GPS information comprising satellite position, currenttime and measured delay of the received signal, may be utilized tocalculate a position fix for the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. Position errorscaused by atmospheric conditions, multi-path signals, clock errors andother physical conditions may be processed for improved accuracy. TheGPS block 110 d may be communicatively coupled with the processor block112, the memory block 114 and the antenna block 116.

In operation, the WMCDs 102 and 104 may communicate via multiplewireless interfaces comprising a 60 GHz and one or more lower frequencywireless interfaces such as WLAN 110 b and/or WPAN 110 c. The 60 GHzblock 110 a and/or the GPS block 110 d may enable location determinationoperations. In this regard, the 60 GHz block 110 a may improve theprecision of location determination based on GPS information and or userconfiguration data. In addition, high speed data transfer, for exampleaudio and/or video data, may be transmitted between devices via the 60GHz physical interface 110 a.

The lower frequency interfaces, for example WLAN 110 b and/or WPAN 110c, may be utilized to enable application and communication operationsamong WMCDs such as WMCDs 102 and 104. For example, lower frequencyinterfaces may be utilized to transfer data with regard to securityand/or coordination among devices. A WPAN interface 110 c may, forexample, enable discovery of devices within a local region. A WLANinterface 110 b may, for example, enable sharing of locationdetermination information among devices that was received from the 60GHz 110 a or GPS 110 d interfaces. Moreover, information utilized byapplications running on the WMCDs 102 and 104 may be retrieved from anetwork and distributed via the WLAN physical interface 110 b forexample.

The WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may be utilized in a plurality of applicationsthat may comprise multi-user high speed wireless gaming and/oraudio/video wireless data transfer and rendering for example. Theinvention is not limited with regard to specific applications and a WMCD102 and/or 104 may support a plurality of applications.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram that illustrates exemplary multi-bandcommunications between wireless multimode communication devices (WMCDs),in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1B,there is shown two WMCDs 102 and 104, a wireless link 150, a 60 GHzwireless link 152, an optional line or wireless communications link 154and an optional network 106.

The WMCD 102 may be the same or similar to the device 102 described inFIG. 1A. The WMCD 102 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or codeto enable wireless communication via one or more wireless interfaces aswell as enable location determination of one or more WMCDs via a 60 GHzinterface. In addition, the WMCD 102 may be capable of receiving GPSinformation for location determination assistance. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the WMCD 102 may be connected to a line and/or wirelessnetwork 106 that may be, for example, the internet. Accordingly, WMCD102 may act as a base station, an access point and/or a gateway to anetwork for one or more local devices such as WMCD 104. In addition, theWMCD 102 may serve as a coordinator and/or controller of operations inrelation to one or more devices such as WMCD 104 and may change roleswith another device such as WMCD 104, wherein the other device becomesthe coordinator and/or controller of operations. Moreover, the WMCD 102may handle peer to peer relationships with one or more devices such asWMCD 104. The WMCDs may be a stationary unit or may be portable ormobile. In this regard, the WMCD 104 may be, for example, a WLAN accesspoint, a video server or video recorder/player device.

The WMCD 102 may enable location determination for one or more devicessuch as WMCD 104. In this regard, the WMCD 102 may transmit a 60 GHzpilot or beacon signal to enable location determination for one or moredevices such as WMCD 104. The WMCD 102 may utilize wireless technologieson lower operating frequencies, for example, utilizing WLAN or WPAN toshare location determination information with one or more devices suchas WMCD 104.

The WMCD 104 may be the same or similar to the WMCD 104 described inFIG. 1A. The WMCD 104 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or codeto enable wireless communication via one or more wireless interfaces aswell as enable location determination for one or more WMCDs via a 60 GHzinterface. In addition, the WMCD 104 may be capable of receiving andprocessing GPS information for location determination assistance. In oneembodiment of the invention, the WMCD 104 may receive coordinationand/or control information from the WMCD 102. In some embodiments of theinvention, the WMCD 104 may be enabled to change roles with WMCD 102wherein WMCD 104 may become the coordinator and/or controller ofoperations among a plurality of WMCDs. Moreover, the WMCD 104 may handlepeer to peer relationships with one or more devices such as WMCDs 102and/or 104.

The WMCD 104 may enable location determination for one or more WMCD 102and/or 104. In this regard, the WMCD 104 may receive and/or may transmita 60 GHz pilot or beacon signal to enable location determination of oneor more WMCDs. The WMCD 104 may utilize wireless technologies on loweroperating frequencies for example WLAN or WPAN to share information forexample information regarding discover, location determination, securityoperations, application data, control and/or coordination informationwith one or more WMCDs.

The wireless link 150 may communicatively couple two or more WMCDs suchas WMCDs 102 and 104. Accordingly, the WMCDs 102 and 104 may comprisesuitable logic, circuitry and/or code to generate the wireless link 150.Accordingly, the wireless link 150 may be enabled to share data, performdiscovery, initiate connections and/or facilitate operations forexample. The wireless link 150 may support lower frequencies than the 60GHz link 152, for example 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz often used for WPAN andWLAN. However, the invention is not limited with regard to specificcarrier frequencies and any suitable frequency may be utilized. Theselower frequencies may be transmitted in a broad-angle radiating patternor even in an omni directional pattern. Achievable transmission distanceor range, supported by the wireless link 150, may vary depending on aplurality of factors comprising carrier frequency, wireless technology,radiating power as well as physical environment (for example, aninterior space versus an exterior space). Ranges may vary fromapproximately 10 m to over 100 m. In some embodiments of the invention,ultra-wideband (UWB) technology may be utilized for short rangecommunications among the WMCDs 102 and 104. Accordingly, UWB links maysupport high speed data transfers. Moreover, worldwide interoperabilityfor microwave access (WIMAX) or various other cellular connections maybe utilized and may enable longer range communications.

The 60 GHz wireless link 152 may communicatively couple two or moreWMCDs such as WMCDs 102 and 104. Accordingly, the WMCDs 102 and 104 maycomprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code to generate the 60 GHzwireless link 152. The 60 GHz wireless link 152 may be enabled tosupport location determination operations, video streaming, high speedvideo for multi-user gaming connections and/or high speed data transferson the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. Accordingly, the 60 GHz wireless links maybe radiated in highly directional patterns over short ranges. In someembodiments of the invention, adaptive antenna arrays or otherintelligent antenna technologies may be utilized. Highly directional 60GHz transmissions may comprise point to point communication betweendevices. In this regard, a participating device may have or gainknowledge of the relative positions or absolute locations of one moreother devices participating in the communication. In another embodimentof the invention, the 60 GHz wireless link 152 may support locationdetermination operations. In this regard, the 60 GHz wireless link mayfor example be utilized to transmit and receive a pilot or beaconsignal. The pilot or beacon signal may radiate in a stationary patternor, the direction of radiation may be varied, for example, may be sweptover an angle.

The network 106 may be a private, public or ad hoc network for examplethat may support applications running on the WMCDs 102 and/or 104. Thenetwork 106 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and or code to handledata that may be utilized by one or more of the WMCDs 102 and 104. Forexample, audio and/or video (A/V) data may be transferred to one or moreWMCDs 102 and 104 from the network 106 and may be rendered. The network106 may be communicatively coupled with the WMCD 102 via thecommunications link 154. The communications link 154 may comprisesuitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may enable the transfer ofdata between the WMCD 102 and the network 106. Accordingly, any suitablecommunications network technology and communications protocol may beutilized.

In operation, the WMCDs 102 and 104 may communicate via a plurality ofwireless interfaces. In this regard, high bandwidth, highly directional,short range tasks such as location determination and high speed singleor multi-user gaming data transfers may be enabled via the 60 GHzwireless link 152. Moreover tasks supporting the 60 GHz wireless link152, for example, sharing location determination and otheradministrative tasks such as device discovery, connection initiation andsecurity operations may be enabled by the lower frequency wireless link150.

Upon receiving a request for service, the WMCD 102 may utilize a lowerfrequency wireless link 150 to enable discovery of devices within alocal region. In addition, a lower frequency wireless link 150 mayenable connection and security communications for the WMCDs 102 and/or104 via WPAN 110 c and/or WLAN 110 d wireless interfaces for example.Moreover, software and/or information regarding one or more applicationsrunning on the WMCDs 102 and/or 104 may be received by the WMCD 102 fromthe network 106 via the communications link 154 and may be distributedvia the lower frequency wireless link 150 to the WMCD 104 for example.The 60 GHz link may be utilized to enable location determination with animproved level of precision and may enable high speed communicationsbetween the WMCDs 102 and 104.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemcomprising a control and coordination WMCD communicating with one ormore WMCDs, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referringto FIG. 1C, there is shown four WMCDs 102, 104 a, 104 b and 104 c, aplurality of wireless links 150, a plurality of 60 GHz wireless links152, an optional line or wireless communications link 154 and anoptional network 106.

The optional network 106 and wireless or line communications link 154may be similar or substantially the same as the network 106 and wirelessor line communications link 154 described in FIG. 1B. The WMCD 102 maybe similar and or substantially the same as the WMCD 102 described inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Moreover, the WMCDs 104 a, 104 b and 104 c may each besimilar and or substantially the same as the WMCD 104 described in FIGS.1A and 1B. Furthermore, the 60 GHz wireless link 152 and lower frequencywireless link 150 may be similar and/or substantially the same as the 60GHz wireless link 152 and lower frequency wireless link 150 shown inFIG. B.

In operation, the WMCD 102 may for example function as control andcoordination device for a plurality of WMCDs 104 a, 104 b and/or 104 c.The WMCD 102 may communicate with network resources via the network 106and communications link 154. In some embodiments of the invention, theWMCD 102 may, for example, comprise a video display and a gamingconsole. Accordingly, one or more of the WMCDs 104 a, 104 b and/or 104 cmay be, for example, handheld audio/video devices comprising gamingcapability and that may participate in high speed video, multi-usergaming applications with the WMCD 102 via the wireless links 150 and 60GHz links 152. The WMCD 102 may coordinate location determinationoperations for the one or more WMCDs 104 a, 104 b and/or 104 c. In thisregard the WMCD may calculate and/or may map participating devicepositions based on location data received from the GPS system and/or theone or more WMCDs 104 a, 104 b and/or 104 c and may share locationinformation with the one or more participating devices 104 a, 104 band/or 104 c via the wireless links 150.

In some embodiments of the invention, the WMCD 102 may manage frequencyand/or communication interface assignments for the WMCDs 104 a, 104 band/or 104 c based on location information. Accordingly, the WMCD 102may manage signal interference among the WMCDs that are active in thelocal region. In some embodiments of the invention, one or more of theWMCDs 104 a, 104 b and 104 c may not participate in the gaming activityhowever, may be actively transmitting and receiving wireless signals fora different application within the local region of the gamingparticipants and may benefit from frequency and/or wireless interfacemanagement coordination from the WMCD 102. The invention is not limitedwith regard to any specific application and may enable any suitableapplication.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemcomprising a control and coordination device communicating with one ormore WMCDs that may also communicate with each other, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1D, there are shownfour WMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 e and 104 f, a plurality of wireless links150, a plurality of 60 GHz wireless links 152, an optional line orwireless communications link 154 and an optional network 106.

The optional network 106 and wireless or line communications link 154may be similar or substantially the same as the network 106 and wirelessor line communications link 154 described in FIG. 1B. The WMCD 102 maybe similar and or substantially the same as the WMCD 102 described inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Moreover, the WMCDs 104 d, 104 e and 104 f may each besimilar and or substantially the same as the WMCD 104 described in FIGS.1A and 1B. The 60 GHz wireless link 152 and lower frequency wirelesslink 150 may be similar and/or substantially the same as the 60 GHzwireless link 152 and lower frequency wireless link 150 shown in FIG. B.

In operation, the exemplary system shown in FIG. 1D may be similar tothe system described in FIG. 1C, for example. However, the wirelessmultimedia devices 104 d, 104 e and 104 f shown in FIG. 1D may utilizethe 60 GHz wireless links 152 and/or lower frequency wireless links 150to communicate with each other as well as the WMCD 102. In this regard,the WMCD 102 may function as a control and coordination device for oneor more of the WMCDs 104 d, 104 e and/or 104 f. However, in variousembodiments of the invention, the WMCD 102 may have fewer control andcoordination tasks such that some of those tasks are handled by theWMCDs 104 d, 104 e and/or 104 f. For example, administrative tasks suchas connection initialization, security operations, sharing locationdetermination information or frequency/wireless interface informationmay be enabled via the lower frequency wireless links 150. In additionhigh level application processes such as data transfer may be handledvia the lower frequency wireless links 150. For example an ultra wideband (UWB) link may enable high data rate transmissions comprising videocontent over short distances.

The 60 GHz links 152 also may be utilized to transfer high speed dataamong the WMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 e and/or 104 f. Moreover, the 60 GHzlinks 152 may be utilized to enable location determination operationsamong the WMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 e and/or 104 f. In this regard, theWMCDs may comprise adaptive antennas or highly directional antennas onthe 60 GHz wireless links 152 enabling angle of arrival measurements.Furthermore, GPS receivers within the WMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 e and/or 104f may aid location determination operations by providing a precisetiming reference to each of the participating WMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 eand 104 f to enable time-of-arrival location determination operations.

In various embodiments of the invention, each of the WMCDs 102, 104 d,104 e and 104 f may operate autonomously such that none of the of theWMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 e and 4 f act as a controller or coordinator forthe entire group. Alternatively, the controller/coordinator task may betransferred from one or more of the WMCDs 102, 104 d, 104 e or 104 f toanother of the devices. In addition, a plurality of the WMCDs 102, 104d, 104 e and/or 104 f may have access to the network 106.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemcomprising a plurality of multimode wireless communication groups, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1E,there is shown two systems of four WMCDs 102 a, 104 d, 104 e and 104 fand 102 b, 104 g, 104 h and 104 i, a plurality of wireless links 150, aplurality of 60 GHz wireless links 152, line or wireless communicationslinks 156 a and 156 b and a network 106.

The network 106 and wireless or line communications links 156 a and 156b may be similar to or substantially the same as the network 106 andwireless or line communications link 154 described in FIG. 1B and FIG.1C. The WMCDs 102 a and 102 b may be similar to and or substantially thesame as the WMCD 102 described in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and/or 1D. The WMCDs104 d, 104 e, 104 f, 104 g, 104 h and 104 i may be similar to and/orsubstantially the same as the WMCD 104 described in FIGS. 1A and 1Band/or the WMCDs 104 a, 104 b and 104 c described in FIG. 1C and/or theWMCDs 104 d, 104 e and 104 f described in FIG. 1D. The 60 GHz wirelesslinks 152 and lower frequency wireless links 150 may be similar and/orsubstantially the same as the 60 GHz wireless link 152 and lowerfrequency wireless link 150 described in FIGS. 1B, 1C and/or 1D.

In operation, the plurality of exemplary systems shown in FIG. 1E may besimilar to the systems described in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and/or 1D. However,in FIG. 1E, a system comprising the wireless multimedia devices 104 d,104 e and 104 f communicating with the WMCD 102 a may communicate with asystem comprising the WMCDs 104 g, 104 h and 104 i communicating withWMCD 102 b via the network 106 and wireless or line communication links156 a and 156 b. For example, wireless communication devices 102 a and102 b may exchange control information, configuration information,signaling information, protocol information, position information and/orfrequency or channel utilization information regarding one or more ofWMCDs 102 a, 102 b, 104 d, 104 e, 104 f, 104 g, 104 h and 104 i that maybe operating within transmission and/or reception range of each other.Accordingly, frequency coordination and/or interference management amongthe plurality of systems may be enabled by such communication ofinformation. In addition, data may be shared between the systems, suchas audio/video files and/or other application or administrative data.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps forcommunicating via a plurality of frequencies and wireless communicationtechnologies, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring to FIG. 2, the process begins in step 200 wherein one or moreusers may activate one or more of the WMCDs 102, 102 a, 102 b, 104, 104a, 104 b, 104 c, 104 d, 104 e, 104 f, 104 g, 104 h and/or 104 i.Additionally, various applications may be run on the one or more activeWMCDs. In step 202, lower frequency wireless links 150 may be utilizedto conduct device discovery and/or communications operations for theactive WMCDs within a local region. In this regard, the WPAN interface110 c and/or WLAN interface 110 b may be utilized for example. In step204, location determination information may be gathered via the 60 GHzwireless link 152 and/or GPS receiver 110 d for example and positions ofthe one or more active WMCDs within the local region may be determinedand mapped. In step 206, the mapped position data may be communicatedvia the lower frequency wireless links 150 to one or more of the activedevices within the local region. In step 208, the mapped positioninformation may be utilized for application operations, frequencyassignments and/or interference management for example. In step 210,antennas allocated for 60 GHz transmissions may be adapted and/ororiented and high speed data may exchanged between active WMCDs. In step212, if there are no further file transfers requested, the process mayproceed to step 214. Step 214, is the end step. In step 212, ifadditional files need to be transferred, proceed to step 306.

In an embodiment of the invention, information may be communicatedbetween two or more WMCDs 102, 102 a, 102 b, 104 and/or 104 a through104 i, wherein spatial relationships between the two or more devices mayvary. Accordingly, one or more of the WMCDs 102, 102 a, 102 b, 104 and104 a through 104 i may comprise a 60 GHz band, wireless interface 110 athat may handle location determination operations as well ascommunicating information between two or more WMCDs 102, 102 a, 102 b,104 and 104 a through 104 i. In addition, one or more of the WMCDs 102,102 a, 102 b, 104 and 104 a through 104 i may comprise one or more lowerfrequency band, wireless interfaces such as a WPAN interface 110 cand/or a WLAN interface 110 b that may handle coordination operationsand/or transfer of data among the two or more WMCDs 102, 102 a, 102 b,104 and 104 a through 104 i. Notwithstanding, one or more of the WMCDs102, 102 a, 102 b, 104 and 104 a through 104 i may communicate via aline or wireless network to devices outside of a local region. In someembodiments of the invention, antennas on one or more of the WMCDs 102,102 a, 102 b, 104 and 104 a through 104 i may be spatially oriented fordirectional transmission and/or reception. Moreover, the spatialorientation of the antennas may be dynamically modified, for example,the bore sight of a directional antenna may be swept across a specifiedangle for a specified operation. Furthermore, the antenna orientationmay be dynamically modified according to varying spatial relationshipsamong two or more of the WMCDs 102, 102 a, 102 b, 104 and 104 a through104 i. In this regard, intelligent antennas, adaptive or steeredantennas or antenna systems may be utilized. Furthermore, the WMCDs 102,102 a, 102 b, 104 and 104 a through 104 i may utilize a position and/ortime reference system, for example GPS via the GPS interface 110 d or aterrestrial reference system to aid in location determination operationsfor example.

Certain embodiments of the invention may comprise a machine-readablestorage having stored thereon, a computer program having at least onecode section for 60 GHz location determination and coordination ofWLAN/WPAN/GPS multimode communication devices, the at least one codesection being executable by a machine for causing the machine to performone or more of the steps described herein.

Accordingly, aspects of the invention may be realized in hardware,software, firmware or a combination thereof. The invention may berealized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system or ina distributed fashion where different elements are spread across severalinterconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or otherapparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein issuited. A typical combination of hardware, software and firmware may bea general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, whenbeing loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that itcarries out the methods described herein.

One embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a boardlevel product, as a single chip, application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), or with varying levels integrated on a single chip with otherportions of the system as separate components. The degree of integrationof the system will primarily be determined by speed and costconsiderations. Because of the sophisticated nature of modernprocessors, it is possible to utilize a commercially availableprocessor, which may be implemented external to an ASIC implementationof the present system. Alternatively, if the processor is available asan ASIC core or logic block, then the commercially available processormay be implemented as part of an ASIC device with various functionsimplemented as firmware.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer programproduct, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation ofthe methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer systemis able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the presentcontext may mean, for example, any expression, in any language, code ornotation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having aninformation processing capability to perform a particular functioneither directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversionto another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a differentmaterial form. However, other meanings of computer program within theunderstanding of those skilled in the art are also contemplated by thepresent invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A method for enabling wireless communication, themethod comprising in a communication system comprising a plurality ofwireless multimode communication devices (WMCDs), each of whichcomprises an integrated 60 GHz interface and one or more lower radiofrequency band interfaces, sweeping a direction of transmitting 60 GHzsignals or of receiving 60 GHz signals, through one or more angles, byone of said plurality of WMCDs, wherein a location of at least one otherof said plurality of WMCDs is determined based on said sweeping saiddirection of said transmitting 60 GHz signals or of said receiving 60GHz signals; and coordinating communication between said one of saidplurality of WMCDs and said at least one other of said plurality ofWMCDs via said one or more lower radio frequency band interfaces. 27.The method according to claim 26, comprising one or both of: determiningsaid location of said at least one other of said plurality of WMCDsbased on measurements made via said 60 GHz interface and one or more ofdirectional, steered, adaptive and intelligent antennas or antennasystems; and communicating with said at least one other of saidplurality of WMCDS via said 60 GHz interface and one or more ofdirectional, steered, adaptive and intelligent antennas or antennasystems.
 28. The method according to claim 26, comprising transmittingand/or receiving a pilot signal or beacon signal via said transmitted 60GHz signals or via said received 60 GHz signals for said determining alocation.
 29. The method according to claim 26, comprising radiating apilot and/or beacon signal in a stationary pattern via said 60 GHzinterface for said determining a location.
 30. The method according toclaim 26, comprising determining a position reference system or a timereference system by said one of said plurality of WMCDs for saiddetermining said location, based on one or more of: a GPS system; aterrestrial reference system; another WMCD; an indication of North,South, East, West and altitude; a self determined reference system; anduser configuration.
 31. The method according to claim 26, comprisingaugmenting and/or improving precision of GPS position measurements forone or more of said plurality of WMCDs utilizing said 60 GHz physicalinterface.
 32. The method according to claim 26, comprisingcommunicating one or more of location information, angle information,time information and WMCD coordinates to one or more of said pluralityof WMCDs via said lower radio frequency band interfaces
 33. The methodaccording to claim 26, comprising processing spatial information todetermine position and/or mapping of said at least one other of saidplurality of WMCDs based on radio measurements.
 34. The method accordingto claim 26, comprising, communicating one or more of high speed filetransfers, audio and/or video data transfers, video streaming, singleuser wireless gaming and multiuser wireless gaming, utilizing said 60GHz interface for said communicating.
 35. The method according to claim26, comprising, dynamically modifying spatial orientation of antennas bysaid one of said plurality of WMCDs according to varying spatialrelationships among two or more of said plurality of WMCDs.
 36. A systemfor enabling wireless communication, the system comprising: one or morecircuits for use in a communication system comprising a plurality ofwireless multimode communication devices (WMCDs), each of whichcomprises an integrated 60 GHz interface and one or more lower radiofrequency band interfaces, said one or more circuits being in one ofsaid plurality of WMCDs and being operable to: sweep a direction oftransmitting 60 GHz signals or of receiving 60 GHz signals, through oneor more angles, wherein a location of at least one other of saidplurality of WMCDs is determined based on said sweeping said directionof said transmitting 60 GHz signals or of said receiving 60 GHz signals;and coordinate communication between said one of said plurality of WMCDsand said at least one other of said plurality of WMCDs via said one ormore lower radio frequency band interfaces.
 37. The system according toclaim 36, wherein said one or more circuits in said one of saidplurality of WMCDs is operable to one or both of: determine saidlocation of said at least one other of said plurality of WMCDs based onmeasurements made via said 60 GHz interface and one or more ofdirectional, steered, adaptive and intelligent antennas or antennasystems; and communicate with said at least one other of said pluralityof WMCDS via said 60 GHz interface and one or more of directional,steered, adaptive and intelligent antennas or antenna systems.
 38. Thesystem according to claim 36, wherein said one or more circuits in saidone of said plurality of WMCDs is operable to transmit and/or receive apilot signal or beacon signal via said transmitted 60 GHz signals or viasaid received 60 GHz signals for said determining a location.
 39. Thesystem according to claim 36, wherein said one or more circuits in saidone of said plurality of WMCDs is operable to radiate a pilot and/orbeacon signal in a stationary pattern via said 60 GHz interface for saiddetermining a location.
 40. The system according to claim 36, whereinsaid one or more circuits in said one of said plurality of WMCDs isoperable to determine a position reference system or a time referencesystem by said one of said plurality of WMCDs for said determining saidlocation, based on one or more of: a GPS system; a terrestrial referencesystem; another WMCD; an indication of North, South, East, West andaltitude; a self determined reference system; and user configuration.41. The system according to claim 36, wherein said one or more circuitsin said one of said plurality of WMCDs is operable to augment and/orimprove precision of GPS position measurements for one or more of saidplurality of WMCDs utilizing said 60 GHz physical interface.
 42. Thesystem according to claim 36, wherein said one or more circuits in saidone of said plurality of WMCDs is operable to communicate one or more oflocation information, angle information, time information and WMCDcoordinates to one or more of said plurality of WMCDs via said lowerradio frequency band interfaces
 43. The system according to claim 36,wherein said one or more circuits in said one of said plurality of WMCDsis operable to process spatial information to determine position and/ormapping of said at least one other of said plurality of WMCDs based onradio measurements.
 44. The system according to claim 36, wherein saidone or more circuits in said one of said plurality of WMCDs is operableto communicate one or more of high speed file transfers, audio and/orvideo data transfers, video streaming, single user wireless gaming andmultiuser wireless gaming, utilizing said 60 GHz interface for saidcommunicating.
 45. The system according to claim 36, wherein said one ormore circuits in said one of said plurality of WMCDs is operable todynamically modify spatial orientation of antennas of said one of saidplurality of WMCDs according to varying spatial relationships among twoor more of said plurality of WMCDs.